Awesome Mitten’s Bake-Off Winner!

It is no secret that I love cake. The Awesome Mitten bake-off was a complete blast for me to observe. I am so glad that I was not in charge of choosing the winner, because everything looked amazing. The winner of the Awesome Mitten’s bake-off really outdid herself. Lisa Hann, owner of Pink Slip Cakery in Zeeland, really took the cake. Pun totally intended.

The Pink Slip Cakery was started in 2012 after Hann’s position as a kindergarten enrichment teacher was eliminated. She’s always had a passion for baking and decided to make a career out of it with this new life change. Hann first heard about the bake-off when one of her number one supporter’s, Aunt Sue, sent her the link to the Awesome Mitten’s website.

Photo Courtesy of Pink Slip Cakery

After deciding to enter the contest, Hann had to come up with the design. She settled on a three-tier cake that emphasized some of Michigan’s best flavors: apples, cherries, and fudge. These were designed as “three-tiers from South to North” and creatively, Hann decided to decorate the East and West sides of the cake accordingly as well. These sides had themes circulating around the capital, automotive industry, and windmills. The most challenging part of the cake creation was trying to fit all of Michigan’s diversity onto it. Fortunately, Hann’s creativity pulled through and she successfully created a cake that encompassed much of what Michigan has to offer.

This was Hann’s first time entering a baking competition and at the Awesome Mitten, we obviously thinks she should do more. Hann loves the creations she makes at Pink Slip Cakery because it combines her love of baking and art. The Cakery itself has evolved on its own, becoming what the people of Zeeland need it to be. “I never set out to make wedding cakes,” Hann explained, “but this has become a big element of the business.” In addition, custom macaroons, sugar cookies, and cake pops have all come out of customer requests. Hann is very open to helping customers obtain whatever bakery creations they want.

Photo Courtesy of Pink Slip Cakery

Hann still loves teaching and actively does it whenever possible. She has had the opportunity to create a decorating party curriculum that combines her passions of baking and teaching. Hann loves many aspects of Michigan, “the family skis, hikes, swims, bikes, and runs. Where else can you get all this?” she said. The best part is that her Michigander passion is clearly displayed in her work, and the Awesome Mitten is proud to have her cake as our bake-off winner.

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Michigan has amazing people, delicious beer, and unlimited outdoor activities to participate in. One thing I have noticed about our mitten state is that no matter which city I am in, those factors do not change. I am a therapist by day and an explorer of all things Michigan the rest of the time.